Obama, Merkel reiterate no easing of sanctions on Russia

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking by phone on Wednesday, reiterated their agreement that there will be no easing of sanctions imposed on Russia over its support for Ukrainian separatists until it has fulfilled all of its commitments under the Minsk ceasefire agreement, the White House said.

The two leaders also agreed on the continued importance of providing economic support for Ukraine, the White House said in a statement.